In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.
Sidewalk Clearing and Road Conditions
The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
Preparing for Potential Weekend Weather
City officials are closely monitoring forecasts for potential winter weather this weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for additional snow or icy conditions.
Dominion Energy Power Outage Reporting
Fredericksburg residents are reminded of the three ways to report power outages to Dominion Energy:
1. Use the Dominion Energy mobile app (available for iPhone and Android).
2. Visit the Dominion Energy website.
3. Call 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357).
If you encounter a downed power line or pole, maintain a safe distance of at least 30 feet and immediately report it to Dominion Energy. Downed lines may be energized and pose a danger.
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Due to inclement weather, all Prince William County courts will be closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This includes:
- Circuit Court
- General District Court
- Juvenile District Court
Residents are encouraged to check pwcva.gov/ei for updates on other closures and additional information.
Kelly Hannon, spokesperson for VDOT’s Fredericksburg District, emphasized the challenges faced by crews during the storm. “Our teams have been making repeated passes since it started snowing around midnight,” Hannon said. “We’ve focused on major routes like I-95, Route 1, Route 17, and Route 610 to ensure access to critical areas, including public safety facilities.”
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Two Waves of Snow and More to Come
While a brief lull in snowfall provided some respite, Hannon warned against complacency. “We’re expecting another 4 to 6 inches of snow this afternoon and evening,” she said. “Crews will return to primary routes and the interstate to keep them traversable for emergency personnel and those who must travel.”
VDOT’s priority is to push as much snow as possible off the travel lanes and shoulders before temperatures drop below 20 degrees tonight. A significant refreeze is expected, which could make snow removal even more difficult. Hannon noted that while the light, fluffy snow moves easily with plows, the incoming frigid temperatures create icy conditions that pose serious hazards.
When asked to grade drivers on their adherence to VDOT’s plea to stay off the roads, Hannon said, “We’ve seen a lot of people staying home, and we’re very grateful. If everyone can stick with us a little longer through the rest of tonight, it will help our crews tremendously.” She added that venturing out too soon could lead to treacherous driving conditions as snow continues to fall.
VDOT’s approach prioritizes the roads with the highest traffic volumes. “Interstate 95 comes first, followed by alternate routes like Route 1, and then primary roads connecting to the interstate,” Hannon explained. Secondary roads and residential streets are addressed later. “We will get to everyone,” she assured. However, due to the storm’s scale and low temperatures, residents shouldn’t expect bare pavement immediately.
VDOT has mobilized more than 900 pieces of snow removal equipment to tackle the storm. “This is a huge responsibility,” Hannon said. “Our staff and contractors train year-round for events like this. Their dedication to serving the community is immense, and we couldn’t do this without our contractor partners who join us during the winter.”
Storm totals
Here are the snow totals from highest to lowest for these areas, as reported by the National Weather Service and trained spotters:
Prince William County
- Nokesville: 8.5 inches
- Dale City: 7.6 inches
- Woolsey (1 SW): 6.3 inches
- Dale City: 6.0 inches
- Triangle: 6.0 inches
Stafford County
- Arkendale : 8.0 inches
- Stafford: 7.5 inches
- Holly Corner : 6.0 inches
Fredericksburg
- Dunavant (1 S): 6.0 inches
Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates and more stories about the community’s response to this winter storm.
Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
Snow plowing will begin as soon as accumulation occurs, with priority given to main roads, including Route 1, Route 3, Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street, Caroline Street, and Lafayette Boulevard. Secondary streets will be addressed as conditions allow. Residents are urged to stay off the roads Sunday night and Monday to ensure crews and public safety personnel can operate without unnecessary obstacles.
Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) will operate on a 4-hour delay on Monday, January 6, due to inclement weather. Service may be further adjusted based on road conditions. Updates are available on the FXBGO! website or Facebook page.
Additionally, all City Government Offices and courts will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the storm.
Here’s the full press release: Read More
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has announced that its locations will be closed on Monday, January 6, in anticipation of severe weather. Library officials decided to prioritize the safety of staff and patrons as forecasts predict hazardous conditions throughout the region.
CRRL serves the communities of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Westmoreland County through its network of branches. The library system offers an array of services, including access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and community events. With its mission to provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, the CRRL has become a cornerstone for residents seeking knowledge and enrichment.
In addition to traditional library services, CRRL provides resources such as free Wi-Fi, public computers, and meeting spaces for local organizations. The library also hosts a variety of programs catering to diverse audiences, including storytimes for children, technology training for adults, and book clubs for all ages.
While all physical locations will remain closed on Monday, many of the library’s digital services will still be available. Patrons can access eBooks, audiobooks, and other online resources through the library’s website. CRRL encourages the public to explore these offerings from the safety and comfort of their homes during inclement weather.
Due to the winter storm affecting our region and expected significant snow accumulation, Stafford County offices, facilities, courts, public schools, and both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has urged motorists to stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions from snow and ice. The R-Board will monitor weather conditions and provide updates on their operating status through their website and social media channels. Emergency updates, links, and resources are available on Stafford’s emergency information page.
Marine Corps Base Quantico will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as severe weather has prompted the installation to declare a Code Red operating status. This closure affects all non-essential operations, and only mission-essential personnel are required to report to work. Personnel are advised to contact their chain of command for specific instructions or further guidance.
Marine Corps Base Quantico, often referred to as the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps,” spans over 55,000 acres across Prince William, Stafford, and Fauquier counties in Virginia. The base is a critical hub for Marine Corps training and education, hosting the Marine Corps University, Officer Candidates School, and the FBI Academy. Its facilities and resources serve over 28,000 active duty, reserve, civilian, and contractor personnel, making it one of the most significant military installations in the region.
Base officials are urging residents and personnel to prioritize safety during this weather event. For updates on the base’s status, personnel should stay tuned to official communication channels or consult their leadership.
Further announcements regarding the reopening of the base and any schedule changes will be made as conditions improve, according to a statement from base officials.
